Beauty ingredient research

Beauty ingredients explained in plain English

Browse the review database to understand what an ingredient is, what it does in a beauty formula, when it is useful, and when it deserves caution across skincare, haircare, bodycare, makeup, and more.

20769

Reviewed ingredients

524

Low-concern standouts

2884

Need usage caution

Showing 60 of 1,094
AllUV absorberUV filterabrasiveabsorbentacne treatmentactiveactive ingredientadhesivealkalizing agentamino acidanti-aginganti-androgenanti-cavityanti-cavity agentanti-inflammatoryanti-irritantanticariesanticavity agentantidandruffantifungalantimicrobialantioxidantantiperspirantantiplaqueastringentbarrier repairbarrier supportbarrier-repairbarrier-supportbinderbinding agentbiotechbiotechnologybond-builderbotanicalbotanical extractbotanical oilbotanical waterbrighteningbrightening agentbufferbuffering agentcell-communicating ingredientceramidechelating agentchemicalchemical intermediateclaycleansercleansingcleansing agentcolorantconditionerconditioningconditioning agentcooling agentcosmeticcosmetic additivecosmetic colorantcosmetic ingredientcosmetic pigmentcosmetic powdercosmetic-texturizercosmetic-waxcosmeticscrosslinking agentdelivery agentdelivery systemdenaturantdeodorantdeodorant agentdepigmenting agentdepilatorydepilatory agentdesensitizing agentdyedye intermediatedye precursordye-intermediateemollientemulsifierenzymeessential oilexfoliantexperimentaleyelashfermentfilm formerfilm-formerfilm-formingfilm-forming agentfirming agentfixativeflavoring agentformulationfragrancefragrance ingredientfunctional ingredientgashair carehair colorhair coloranthair conditionerhair dyehair removalhair-carehair-colorhaircarehumectantindustrialinsecticideintermediatelashlash carelash enhancerlash-and-browlip carelipidmakeupmarine extractmasking agentmicrobiomemicrobiome modulatormineralmoisturizernail carenail-careocclusiveoilopacifieropacifying agentoptical agentoral careotheroxidative dyeoxidative dye precursoroxidizing agentpH adjusterpain reliefpenetration enhancerpeptidepersonal careph adjusterpharmaceuticalpheromonepigmentplant oilplasticizerpolymerpolymer precursorprebioticprescription-drugpreservativepreservative boosterprobioticprocessing agentprocessing aidpropellantproteinpurifyingreducing agentretinoidscalp caresebum regulatorsebum-regulatorself-tannerself-tanningsensory additivesensory agentsensory modifiersiliconeskin barrierskin barrier supportskin conditionerskin conditioningskin conditioning agentskin lighteningskin protectantskin-conditioningskin-conditioning agentskin-identicalskin-identical ingredientskin-lighteningskin-lightening agentskincaresolventsoothingsoothing agentstabilizerstimulantsunscreensurfactantsyntheticsynthetic colorantsynthetic dyesynthetic resinsynthetic-coloranttexture enhancertexturizerthickenertoneruv-absorberuv-filtervasoactivevasodilatorviscosity controlviscosity controllingviscosity controlling agentvitaminwax

Humectant

Hydrolyzed Bottle Gourd Juice

Hydrolyzed Lagenaria Siceraria Fruit Juice

3.8

A gentle, water-soluble extract from bottle gourd that helps hydrate and calm the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantsoothing
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Calcium Hyaluronate

Hydrolyzed Calcium Hyaluronate

4.3

A smaller, salt-linked version of hyaluronic acid that may hydrate deeper layers of skin with lower irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectant
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Candida Bombicola Extract

Hydrolyzed Candida Bombicola Extract

4.0

A gentle, biotech-derived yeast extract that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a good option for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

biotech

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Carob Gum Extract

Hydrolyzed Ceratonia Siliqua Gum Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin while supporting a healthy microbiome.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Carob Seed Extract

Hydrolyzed Ceratonia Siliqua Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin without common irritation or clogging concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Cassava Root Extract

Hydrolyzed Manihot Esculenta Tuber Extract

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin, with emerging research suggesting antioxidant and soothing benefits.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Caviar Extract

Hydrolyzed Caviar Extract

3.8

Hydrolyzed caviar extract is a luxury humectant that provides surface moisture and amino acids, but its anti-aging benefits are not strongly supported by independent research.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantskin-conditioning agent
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Cladosiphon Extract

Hydrolyzed Cladosiphon Novae-Caledoniae Extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps skin retain moisture and may calm irritation, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Cockscomb

Hydrolyzed Cockscomb

4.0

A gentle, plant-based humectant that helps skin hold onto moisture and may support a smoother appearance.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Cockscomb Extract

HYDROLYZED COCKSCOMB EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, plant-based humectant that helps hydrate and plump the skin, similar to hyaluronic acid but from a botanical source.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Hydrolyzed Collagen

4.0

Hydrolyzed collagen is a well-tolerated humectant that draws moisture to the skin and forms a temporary film for a smoother feel, but it cannot replace lost collagen deep in the skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Cottonseed Protein

Hydrolyzed Cottonseed Protein

4.0

A gentle, plant-based protein that helps reinforce the skin barrier and improve moisture retention without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Cucumber Fruit

Hydrolyzed Cucumber Fruit

4.0

A gentle, water-loving derivative of cucumber that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, ideal for sensitive and dry types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Cupuaçu Fruit

HYDROLYZED THEOBROMA GRANDIFLORUM FRUIT

4.0

A gentle, antioxidant-rich humectant from cupuaçu fruit that helps hydrate and protect the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Eel Head Extract

HYDROLYZED EEL HEAD EXTRACT

3.5

A novel marine-derived peptide ingredient that may support skin hydration and firmness, but research is very limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Eggshell Membrane

HYDROLYZED OVUM SHELL MEMBRANE

4.0

A natural, protein-packed ingredient that helps hydrate and support skin barrier function, with low irritation potential.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Elastin

Hydrolyzed Elastin

4.0

Hydrolyzed Elastin helps temporarily plump and smooth skin by depositing moisture and forming a light film, but it cannot rebuild your skin's own elastin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Erythrina Edulis Seed

Hydrolyzed Erythrina Edulis Seed

3.8

A gentle plant protein that helps hydrate and temporarily smooth the skin's surface, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantfilm-former
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Euglena Extract

Hydrolyzed Euglena Gracilis Extract

4.0

A gentle, algae-derived ingredient that helps hydrate and support the skin barrier, with some antioxidant potential.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Fibroin

Hydrolyzed Fibroin

4.0

Hydrolyzed fibroin is a gentle silk protein that helps attract moisture to skin and hair, leaving them feeling soft and smooth without heavy residue.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Fish Cartilage

Hydrolyzed Fish Cartilage

3.8

A moisturizing protein from fish cartilage that helps hydrate and support skin barrier function, but evidence is limited and it may not suit vegans or those with fish allergies.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Fish Egg Membrane Extract

Hydrolyzed Fish Egg Membrane Extract Filtrate

3.8

A gentle, protein-rich ingredient from fish egg membranes that helps hydrate and condition skin, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Fish Egg Shell Extract

HYDROLYZED FISH EGG SHELL EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, marine-sourced humectant that may help hydrate and temporarily smooth the skin, but research is limited and it's not a standout compared to well-studied alternatives.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Fucoidan

Hydrolyzed Fucoidan

4.0

A gentle, seaweed-derived humectant that attracts moisture to the skin and may help calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Glucosyl Stevioside

Hydrolyzed Glucosyl Stevioside

4.0

A mild, sugar-modified stevia derivative that helps hydrate skin without the sweetness or stickiness of raw stevia.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans

Hydrolyzed Glycosaminoglycans

4.3

A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin and helps maintain its structural support, making it a great choice for dry or aging skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Halymenia Seaweed

Hydrolyzed Halymenia Durvillei Polysaccharide

4.0

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that helps skin retain moisture and feel soothed, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Honey

Hydrolyzed Honey

4.3

Hydrolyzed honey is a gentle, water-soluble humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin and may offer mild soothing benefits, making it a good option for dry or sensitive skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Horse Placenta Extract

Hydrolyzed Horse Placenta Extract

3.5

A protein-rich extract that may help hydrate and support skin repair, but human studies are limited and ethical sourcing is a concern.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate with Optical Brightener

Fluorescent Brightener 264, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronate

3.0

Hydrolyzed hyaluronate provides light hydration, but the fluorescent brightener is an optical additive with no proven skincare benefit and may cause skin sensitivity in some people.

Irritation

low

Source

semi-synthetic

beautyskincarehumectantoptical agent
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Irish Moss Extract

Hydrolyzed Chondrus Crispus Extract

4.0

A gentle, hydrating seaweed extract that supports moisture retention and soothes the skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Jellyfish Extract

Hydrolyzed Jellyfish Extract

3.8

A marine extract that may help hydrate and calm the skin, but research is still early and sustainability concerns exist.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Jojoba Seed Extract

HYDROLYZED JOJOBA SEED EXTRACT

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble jojoba derivative that hydrates and conditions skin without the oiliness of traditional jojoba oil.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Konjac Root

Hydrolyzed Amorphophallus Konjac Root

4.2

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that hydrates and leaves a smooth, non-greasy film on skin—great for sensitive or dry types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Linseed Seed

HYDROLYZED LINSEED SEED

4.0

Hydrolyzed linseed seed is a gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin and may calm irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed London Rocket Seedcake

Hydrolyzed Sisymbrium Irio Seedcake

3.8

A gentle, plant-derived protein that helps hydrate and smooth the skin, though research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Malt Extract

Hydrolyzed Malt Extract

4.0

A gentle, naturally-derived humectant that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Mango Fruit

Hydrolyzed Mango Fruit

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble mango derivative that hydrates and provides antioxidant support, suitable for most skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Mango Juice Extract

Hydrolyzed Mango Juice Extract

4.2

A gentle, plant-derived humectant that helps hydrate and condition the skin, but research on its specific benefits is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Millet

Hydrolyzed Millet

4.0

Hydrolyzed millet is a gentle, plant-based humectant that helps hydrate and soften skin without irritation.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Millet Seed Extract

Hydrolyzed Millet Seed Extract

4.0

A mild, natural humectant that helps attract moisture to the skin and may offer antioxidant benefits, but research is still limited.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Milt Extract

Hydrolyzed Milt Extract

3.8

A gentle, protein-based humectant from fish milt that helps hydrate and soothe skin, but research is still early and sourcing may raise ethical or allergy concerns.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Mustard Seed Extract

Hydrolyzed Brassica Alba Seed Extract

4.0

A gentle, plant-based humectant that helps skin retain moisture and feel smooth, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Oats

Hydrolyzed Oats

4.5

Hydrolyzed oats are a gentle, multi-tasking ingredient that soothes, moisturizes, and protects sensitive or irritated skin.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantsoothing
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Olive Fruit

Hydrolyzed Olive Fruit

4.0

A gentle, water-soluble olive derivative that hydrates and helps protect skin from environmental stress without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

beautyskincarehumectantantioxidant
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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Oryzanol

Hydrolyzed Oryzanol

4.0

Hydrolyzed Oryzanol is a gentle, water-soluble rice bran derivative that hydrates and protects skin without clogging pores.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Oyster Extract

HYDROLYZED OYSTER EXTRACT

3.8

A gentle, hydrating marine extract that may help soothe and condition the skin, though research is still emerging.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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Humectant

Hydrolyzed Pea

Hydrolyzed Pea

4.2

A gentle, plant-based protein that helps hydrate and soothe the skin, making it a great option for sensitive or dry skin types.

Irritation

low

Source

natural

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